Navasota council praises city staff

Navasota Mayor Bert Miller thanks Emergency Management Coordinator Jason Katkoski on a job well done during Hurricane Ike. Courtesy Photo by Susie Homeyer

BY ROSEMARY SMITH, Examiner editor

Navasota Fire Chief Jason Katkoski, who headed the local disaster preparedness and relief efforts as emergency management coordinator, received uproarious applause during the city council meeting, Sept. 22, for his proactive efforts to protect and help the city during the recent visit by Hurricane Ike.

“Jason attended a ton of trainings and it paid off tremendously. He knew the people to call and what forms to fill out. Everything was done on time or ahead of schedule because of Jason,” said City Manager Brad Stafford, who thanked all city staff, council members and citizens on a job well done.

Katkoski said communication within the city was the key component to the city’s success in both preparing for and dealing with the aftermath.

The CTY-Connect phone system, which alerts citizens of emergency situations and other local events, was one of the tools the city used to keep citizens and local media informed.

Informational calls related to Hurricane Ike reached approximately 65 percent of citizens.

“We’re working to get more people tied to the system,” said Stafford.

Citizens are urged to register home and cell phone numbers and email addresses at www.navasotatx.gov or by calling city hall at 936-825-6475.

The city is working on adding Spanish and text messaging to the system.

“There were a lot of people that went above and beyond. Nobody complained even though they were dead tired. This town is a family and this brought people together in ways I’ve never seen,” said Mayor Bert Miller.

(See the mayor’s letter to the editor on Page 4A today).

Councilman Peter Canney said he feels privileged to work with such dedicated city staff members who worked round the clock to help residents.

“The main thing I’ve heard people say is they felt safe. The water was always safe and there was additional police protection,” said Miller.

According to Councilman Bernie Gessner, the city is considering supporting a special section to The Examiner and giving recognition to volunteers during a local football game.

“It’s to let the people in town express their gratitude to the people that worked so hard for them,” said Gessner.

The council agreed to allow the continuation of the declaration of disaster until the mayor deems the declaration as unnecessary.

Upon a recommendation by Public Works Director Gary Johnson, the council approved Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement of Pledger-Kalkomey, Inc. for the 2008 Utility Improvements Project. Since a property owner did not grant the city a utility easement, additional engineering and modifications to the project were performed, and Texas Department of Transportation permits were obtained to allow utilities to be installed in TxDOT right of way.

The added engineering cost the city an additional $5,000.

Change Order No. 1 for Sendero Industries, LLC. also had to be approved for the utility improvements project because the property owner did not grant the city a utility easement. This increased costs to the city by an additional $933.40.

Councilmen also approved Change Order No. 1 for GSWW, Inc. to perform smoke testing to an additional 27,671 feet of sanitary sewer mains and to GPS map an additional 144 manholes. Even with the increase of $12,674.98, the item is still 22 cents under the budgeted amount.

The council approved a professional services agreement with McClure and Browne Engineers for the Dove Crossing gas line extension by Comfort Suites, at no cost to the city. Comfort Suites is paying $25,000 for the installation of a 2-inch natural gas main that will serve the new facility.

In other city business, the council approved Resolution No. 467-08, the joint election contract between the City of Navasota and Grimes County. Because of House Bill 1, cities and schools are required to hold joint elections.

After a presentation by Citizens Against Domestic Violence Task Force member Cheli Greene, the mayor signed a proclamation declaring the month of October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month”. Citizens are encouraged to join the Task Force, which meets the fourth Thursday of each month at noon at the annex center on Judson Street. The next meeting is this Thursday, Sept. 25.

Victims of domestic violence are asked to seek assistance by calling 1-800-799-SAFE.

The group is planning a small fair for domestic violence awareness set for Oct. 18. A silent auction will also take place. Anyone interested in making a donation, signing up for an informational booth or sponsoring a carnival game may call the Texas Department of Health Services at 936-825-7476.

In other business, the council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 563-08, to adopt budget for FY 2008-2009; the second reading of Ordinance No. 564-08, to adopt tax rate for FY 2008-09; the second reading of Ordinance No. 565-08, fine and fee schedule for FY 2008-09: a second reading of Ordinance No. 566-08, budget transfers for FY 2007-08; a second reading of Ordinance No. 567-08, budget amendment for FY 2007-08 and the first reading of Ordinance No. 568-08, amending Ordinance No. 561-08, ordering a special election on various charter amendments and to provide for an additional polling place.